"This growth depends on ever faster and more convenient modes to reach the final mile and yard in suburban and urban markets, as well as share in rural areas," said analyst Susan Beardslee.

China giants Alibaba and JD.com now have greater focus on growth through lower-tier cities, chasing fast growing, third place Pinduoduo's rural playbook to reach the next 600 million people, said the ABI press release.

Singles Day in China for 2020 will surpass not only all of the US retail holidays (Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday), but 2019's record-setting US$38.4 billion for Alibaba alone, at a 26 per cent increase year on year, it said.

Retailers need to address their increasing costs and consumer expectations through new business models and optimised logistics methods.

"Amazon already felt the financial pressure in 2019, with North American margin compression, as it grew investments in its next-day Prime delivery, expected to impact Walmart as well. Other retailers have been pushed into offering expanded shipping options and reverse logistics in order to compete," said Ms Beardslee.

http://www.shippingazette.com/menu.asp?encode=eng